Former Alberta premier Kenney links stunning UCP byelection loss to separation vote

POLITICS Former Alberta premier Kenney links stunning UCP byelection loss to separation vote By Staff The Canadian Press Posted September 15, 2026 12:48 pm 1 min read WATCH: Voters to elect new MLA in Calgary-Shaw LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney is linking the governing United Conservative Party’s stunning byelection loss in Calgary to the province’s looming vote on separation. Kenney, in posts on social media Tuesday, says the Opposition NDP’s victory Monday in the conservative stronghold of Calgary-Shaw sends a strong message about the Oct. 19 referendum’s impact on conservative supporters. He says the debate on quitting Canada is alienating conservative voters who also love Canada while pushing disaffected nationalist supporters into the arms of left-centre opponents such as the NDP. Get breaking Montreal news Get breaking Montreal news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story. SIGN UP FOR BREAKING MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. Kenney, who won multiple elections representing the people of south Calgary as both a provincial and a federal politician, says the one thing he knows for sure is that “the overwhelming majority (of them) are proud, patriotic Canadians.” Kenney has been a vocal opponent of UCP Premier Danielle Smith’s decision to hold the vote on whether Alberta should stay in Canada or hold a second binding referendum on setting up the process to quit Confederation. MORE ON POLITICS MORE VIDEOS Doug Ford’s plans for 2nd ferris wheel in Niagara Falls scrapped after local opposition Quebec’s farmers union is calling on Ottawa to suspend Alto high-speed rail project Canada seeks ‘private investment’ in airports but feds to keep land, assets Alberta NDP wins byelection in longtime Conservative riding of Calgary-Shaw STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT Smith has said she had no choice but to call the vote and put the contentious issue to rest. Opponents say she has no mandate to quit Canada, there is no raging public debate to leave, and she’s just trying to hold separatist hardliners in her party at bay. Stick to the Facts Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your…